Time delay mechanism for repeating fuses



w. o. scHuLrz ETAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM FOR REPEATING FUSES Original Fiied Nov.l7, 1954 2 Sheets-sheet l M a New M .4.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATT I I H Dec. 9, 1941.

w. o. SCHULTZ E' IAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM FOR REPEATING FUSES w i l l Original Filed Nov. 17, 1934 59 %I\\\\\\I Wm HHH 6% Patented Dec. 9, 1941 TIME DELAY FOR G FUEE$ William 0. Schultz, South Milwaukee, and swim G. Steinmayer, Milwaukee,

Wis... asslgnors to Line Material Company, South Milwaukee, Wis, a corporation of Eielaware Application November 17, M34, Qerlal No. 753.43 Renewed February 3, 1938 35 Claims.

This invention relates to time delay mechanism for repeating fuses.

In repeating fuses, for instance as disclosed in our copending application for Repeating fuse construction, Serial Number 753,438, filed November 17, 1934, a plurality of fuses are provided and are held in operative position, but the line is connected through only one of the fuses. However, when the active fuse blows and drops out of position, a switch automatically connects Further objects are to provide a time delay' mechanism for repeating fuses which is positive and wholly reliable in its action, which precludes the closing of the switch for connecting the next adjacent fuse until a predetermined interval of time has elapsed. and in which means are provided for adjusting the time delay mechanism so that this intervalmay be adjusted to fit the particular demands made of the apparatus.

In greater detail, further objects are to provide adjustable means for adjusting the time interval or time delay, such means being accessible exteriorly of a housing in which the time delay mechanism is positioned, so that the device may be adjusted after being completely assembled and so that if it is desired to vary or alter the time interval of the closing of the switch, such adjustment may be subsequently made even after the device is-in active service. v

. Further objects are to provide a time delay means which is adjustable to vary the time of operation of the device to thereby vary the time of operation of a switch, for instance, in which a fluid medium is discharged through a restricted orifice, but in which the adjustment of timing is made without varying the size of the orifice and without varying any internal structure of the device but is secured instead by varying the point or position at which the tim delay means is engaged by a movable member associated with the switch, or, in other words, to vary the position at which the time delay means becomes effective; in other words, by changing the length of travel of the control parts.

Further objects are to provide a time delay mechanism which is of small size and is, therefore, easily housed within the hood provided at the upper end of the fuse construction, which delays the closing of the switch for a predetermined period but which nevertheless suddenly releases the switch as it nears its closing position and thereby allows the switch to close suddenly, thus preventing arcing. This feature is particularly desirable as these devices are used frequently in high voltage service.

Further objects are toprovide a construction of time delay mechanism which is easy to make, which is inexpensive and which is very easy to assemble in place in the repeating fuse structure.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section of a repeating fuse with parts broken away.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view through thetime delay mechanism taken on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged view showing a modified form of time delay mechanism.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view looking directly downwardly on one of the upper contacts, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a plurality of fuse units and the manner in which the fuses are successively electrically connected t the line.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the repeating fuse comprises a fuse tube I having an upper contact 2 and a lower collar 3. The upper contact is provided with a projecting pin 4 which fits between the spring arms of the stationary contact 5. It will be seen from reference to Figure 4 that these spring arms diverge so as to guide the upper contact portion 4 in place and are shouldered as indicated at 6 to prevent the outward rocking of the upper end of the fuse tube.

The lower end of the fuse tube is opened and the fuse link I, which extends downwardly from the upper contact within the tube, projects outwardly through the open bottom end thereof and is clamped by means of a thumb nut or other suitable member I to a hook lever 9 pivoted as indicated at I to a projecting portion of the collar 3, the collar 3 being rigid with the tube l.

The lever 9 is provided with hooked ends II which hook over a lower pivot member or tube II. This lower tube connects all of the fuse units, one only being shown in the side view Figure 1. The other fuse units are identical with the one described and are all electrically connected at their lower end as disclosed in greater detail in our above noted copending application.

However, the upper contacts of each of the fuses are electrically distinct. A stationary contact l3, see Figure 1, projects outwardly from the next fuse unit and is adapted to be engaged by the pin or other movable contact I 4 forming a portion of the switch ar'm l5.

The lower pivot member [2 is carried by brackets I. securedtoa transverse plate I! carried by are provided and the insulators are carried by a base portion or channel portion, indicated at 20 in Figure 1. The insulator or insulators l9 carry an insulating, transversely extending bar 2| of impregnated wood or of a phenolic condensation product.

Each fuse unit is provided with a hood 22 secured to the bar 2|. Further, the stationary contacts previously described are also supported from the bar 2 I, as is obvious from Figure 1. The upper end therefore of each of the fuse units is insulated one from the other, andwhen the fuse blows and the fuse tube drops to inoperative position in a manner hereinafter to appear, the switch I5 is released as the yoke or crosshead or projecting portion 23 rigid with the switch arm I5 is now free to move outwardly in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, as the fuse tube has moved out of the way. The switch then rocks to the dotted line position shown in Figure 1 and consequently connects the upper end of the next succeeding fuse, the lower end of each of the fuses being permanently electrical- 1y connected as previously described.

When a fuse blows, the fuse link I is ruptured and releases the lever 9. This allows the pivot portion ID to rock outwardly and downwardly, thus lowering the fuse and allowing the upper portion 4 of the upper contact to move downwardly out of engagement with the stationary contacts 5. Thereafter the fuse swings downwardly and outwardly.

It is not desirable for the switch to immediately close and connect a .fresh fuse in circuit. A time interval is desirable, as is well known. This is secured by providing time'delay mechanism which controls the closing motion of the switch.

The switchis provided with a pair of spaced arms 24 which are integrally joined to the transverse portion 23 and which extend upwardly and are provided with spaced projecting portions 25, as shown in Figure 1, a portion of such members being shown in Figure 2. These projecting portions 25 are provided with a rounded pper surface 25 concentric with the pivot pin 2'5 which carries the switch. Y

Further, these projecting portions are provided with shouldered faces 28 which bear against outwardly projecting pins 29. The pins 29 are carried by a triangularly shaped, bifurcated lever 38 and this lever is in turn pivotally carried by the pin 3|, such pin extending through'the housin as is apparent from Figure 2. The lever in reality bears, such screw being threaded through the housing and provided with a'lock nut, as indicated. Obviously adjusting the lever determines the initial position of the pins 29.

The time delay mechanism is formed of a metal bellows 34 which at one end is secured to the front head 35 and is adapted to contain a liquid,

.such, for instance, as alcohol, such liquid being inserted in the device through an opening in'th'e head 35 and the opening being closed by means of the screw 36, see Figure 2.

A rear head 31 is provided and secured to the rear end of the metal bellows. This rear end is closed except for a small opening 32. This 1 ingm-ay be formed in the head 37 if desired, but it is easier to form it in the thin metal 39 forming the base or bottom portion of the metal bellows. The head 3? is provided with a relatively 2,265,766 storage metal bellows 4|; It will be noted from Figure 2, that the rear head 31 is carried by means of the pins 42 which are threaded into such head and which are pivotally mounted within the side walls of the housing 22. It is, therefore, very easy to assemble the device, as is apparent from an examination of Figures 1 and 2.

The flexible metal leader 43 is positioned so as to be out of the way of the time delay mechanism. It may be threaded through the lever 30, as shown in Figures rand 2, and secured at one end of the housing and at the other end to a portion of a switch arm to thereby afiord good electrical connection between the upper or head portion of the apparatus and the switch arm. A spring 44, see Figure 2, is positioned within the bellows 34 and tends to expand the bellows.

The switch is permanently biased towards closed position by means of the spring 45 and it would snap shut quickly when released by the fuse if it were not for the slow motion mechanism.

However, it will be seen from Figures 1 and 2 that the shouldered portions 28 of the switch lever bear against the pins 29 and consequently when the switch lever is released by the dropping downwardly and outwardly of the fuse, the

shouldered portions 28 have to .press the pins 29 snap closed on the final portion ofits closing motion and th'ereby avoids arcing at the contacts.

The time delay maybe adjusted by adjusting the screw 33 exteriorly of the housing and even after the device is in service if it-ever becomes necessary to alter the period after the device has been installed. Q i

When the screw 33 is screwed inwardly of the housing, it rocks the lever 30 in a. clockwise direction and consequently moves the pins, 29 towards the rear of th slow motion mechanism. Therefore, the switch lever has to compress the hellows a lesser amount as the bellows is never fully expanded. The time delay is thereby shortened.

In the adjustment shown in Figure 1, the maxi-- mum delay is secured.

Although only one fuse has been shown in Figure 1, it is to be understood that a plurality of these units are provided and are arranged in a series One after the other, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 5. The line wires are indicated by the reference characters 86 and d'l and the fuses are indicated by the reference characters '9, if and l". The switches are indicated by the reference characters I 5 and i5. Obviously as many units as desired can be employed.

It is. obvious from the description thus far given that when one fuse blows, its switch subsequently connects the upper end of the next succeeding fuse to the line 46, the line 41 being connected to the lower portion of each of the fuse units. Obviously, if the next succeeding fuse I blows, it's switch 15', see Figure 5, connects the next fuse unit i".

It is apparent that the time delay mechanism large opening Ml whichcommunicates with a 78 may take other .forms from that shown. For

instance, the bellows ll of Figures 1 and 2 could be dispensed with, and in place of liquid, air could be depended upon as the fluidwithin the bellows. It is clear, however, that the hole 38 would have to be of the proper size to get the requisite time delay, though the other features could remain the same.

Additionally,- the time delay mechanism could take still other forms. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, the hood 48 pivotally carries, as indicated at 49, the ears formed on the base portion 51 of a metal bellows 52. A head 53 is provided for the bellows and the head and base portions are each provided with projecting parts 54 which center the spring 55 for expanding the bellows.

The head 53 carries a pair of ears 56 and a pin 51 pivotally connects such head to a channelshaped lever 58. The lever 58 may be spring urged outwardly, .as shown, by, means of the spring 59 and may be pivoted adjacent its upper end, as indicated at 6%, to the hood. It is preferably provided with an overhanging or projecting portion extending beyond the pin 51 and against which the member 6i integral with the switch )arm 62 bears. This member Elf is provided with a rounded upper face 63 concentric with the pivot pin 64 for the switch,

A spring 65 urges the switch towards closed position so that the switch is constantly biased towards closed position and during its closing motion is retarded by the time delay mechanism. In this case the time delay mechanism utilizes air as the fluid and a small opening 65 is provided in the base or in the head\ for the slow escape of air. Therefore, during closing motion of the switch, the switch first slowly moves towards closed position when released by the fuse tube, but after it has rocked the lever 58 inwardly a considerable distance, the rounded portion 63 rides on the face of the lever 58 and consequently the switch quickly closes in its final closing stroke.

The switch may be provided with brush contacts Bl which are adapted to engage the stationary contact 68 of the next adjacent fuse unit. It is obvious that the particular type of latching mechanism for the fuse unit may be varied. For instance, the fuse 69, as shown in Figure 3, is provided with-annpper contact 70 terminating in an upper pin H which fits behind the shouldered or web portion 12 of the latch lever 13. The stationary contact for the upper end of the fuse unit may consist of the brush contact 14 which bears against a fiat face of the contact 10.

The latch lever may be lifted by pulling downwardly on the ring 15 when it is desired to manually rock the fuse to open position. The ring or eyelet 15 is provided with fingers 16 located beneath the latch lever 13, so as to raise the latch lever when the ring is pulled down manually, as by means of a switch stick for instance. However, the two arms 17 which are integral with the switch lever and form a portion thereof are joined by the cross head or member 18 similar to the member 23 and functioning in the same capacity.

The adjustment for this form of time delay mechanism is provided by means of the screw 19 which is threaded' through the hood l8 and provided with a lock nut as shown. The end of this screw bears against the outer face of the lever 58 and consequently determines the position of such lever iii its initial setting. With the parts such as shown in Figure 3 the maximum time delay is secured. If

desired, the shrew 19 is screwed inwardly and thus rocks the llever 58 in a clockwise direction. Consequently the member 85 does not have to compress the bellows through as great a stroke as previously, and, therefore, a lesser time delay is secured. The lower portion of the repeating fuse construction shown in Figure 3 may be similar to that shown in Figure 1 or may take any other suitable form, provided the fuse drops downwardly and swings outwardly, as has been described in connection with Figure 1. It is clear that in both forms of the invention the time delay mechanism resets itself after the switch has been rocked into open position so that there is no possibility of the device failing to function after the fuse is once reset.

It is to be noted further that after a fuse has blown, it may be readily detached and refused. For instance, as shown in Figure l, the collar 3 may carry a projecting member 8d which may be engaged by a suitably equipped switch stick a lesser time Of operation is and the fuse may be removed, refused and replaced without requiring the operator to handle the fuse, though this particular feature does not form any portion of this invention.

However, it is to be noted that after the fuse has been refused and-is rocked into closed position, as for instance by engaging the eyelet of Figure 3 or the eyelet 8| of Figure 1, by the switch stick, that the fuse strikes the member 23 in the form shown in Figure l or the member 18 in the form shown in Figure 3, and thus positively rocks the switch to open position. It is impossible to rock a fuse into itsoperative position without opening the switch and no thought is required on the part of the operator in so doing, as the members 23 and 78 are in the path of movement of the fuse tube during the closing motionthereof. It is, therefore, impossible for two fuses to remain in circuit inadvertently.

Further the time delay mechanism is wholly automatic in resetting itself and no thought is required on the part of the operator. In other words; the fuse may be as easily closed or rocked to operative position as any of the ordinary types of drop-out fuses.

It will be seen also that the time delay device is very simple and may be easily assembled and may be cheaply produced. mechanism and is, in fact, completely housed within the upper or hood end of the fuse.

Although this invention has been described in considerable detail, it is to be understood that such description is intended as illustrative rather than limiting, as the invention may be variously embodied and is to be interpreted as claimed.

We claim:

1. Delayed action switching means for a. repeating fuse construction having a first fuse unit anda second fuse unit and an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, said means comprising a normally open switch releasable upon blowing of said first fuse unit and biased towards closed position for connecting said electric linethrough said second fuse unit, and slow motion bellows mechan sm for delaying. the closing motion of said switch after said switch is released.

2. Delayed action switching means for a repeating fuse construction having a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit and an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, said means comprising a normally open switch releasable upon blowing of said first fuse unit and It' has very little biased towards closed position for connecting said electric line through said second fuse unit,

stricted escapement orifice, means operatively.

connecting said bellows and switch to cause said bellows'to retard the closing motion of said switch, a hood enclosing said bellows and the operative connection between said bellows and switch, and adjusting means for adjusting the eifect of said bellows to vary the time delay in the closing of said switch, said adjusting means being accessible exterior of said hood.

4. A time delay device comprising a normally open switch biased towards closed position, means for releasing said switch, a hood, a bellows pivotally mounted within said hood and having a restricted orifice to restrict the fiow of fluid from said bellows upon compressing said bellows, a lever plvotally mounted within said hood and supporting one end of said bellows, and cam means located within said hood and movable with said switch and moving said lever to compress said bellows upon the closing motion of said switch, and an adjusting member extending outwardly through said hood for determining the initial position of said lever, whereby the point in theclosing stroke of said switch at which said cam means will move said lever may be adjusted from a point exterior of said hood.

5. A time delay device comprising a normally open switch biased towards closed position, means for releasing said switch, a hood, a bellows pivotally mounted within said hood and having a restricted orifice to restrict the flow of fluid from lever pivotally mounted within said hood and supporting one end of said bellows; cam means located within said hood and movable with said switch and moving said lever to compress said bellows upon the closing motion of said switch, and an adjusting member extending outwardly through said hood for determining the initial said bellows upon compressing said bellows, a

position of said lever, whereby the point in the closing stroke of said switch at which said cam means will move said'lever may be adjusted from a point exterior of said hood, and a spring forming a unitary portion with said bellows tendin to expand said bellows.

6. A time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable when said switch moves, a bellows having a constricted escapement orifice, and means operatively connected to said be llows, said means being operated by said movable member when said switch is moved, said means being adjustable to vary the point at which said movable member will cause actuation of said bellows.

'7. A time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable when said switch moves, a bellows having a constricted escapewill cause actuation of 'said bellows. 1

8. A time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member movable when said switch moves, a bellows having its rear end plvotally supported and having a constricted orifice, and a lever plvotally supporting the front end of said bellows and engageable by said movable member to thereby delay the action of said switch.

9. A time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member movable when said switch moves, a bellows having its rear end plvotally supportedmnd having a constricted.

orifice, a lever plvotally supporting the front end of said bellows and engageable by said movable member to thereby delay the action of said switch, and means for adjusting the initial position of said lever.

10. A time delay switch device comprising a bellows having a rear portion, means supporting said rear portion, a lever plvotally supporting said front portion, said bellows having a restricted escapement opening, a storage bellows supported adJacent said first mentioned bellows for receiving fluid from said opening, a switch,

and a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable therewith for engaging said lever to force fluid from said first mentioned bellows through said opening to said second mentioned bellows.

11. A time delay switch device comprising a bellows having a rmr portion means supportingsaid rear portion, a lever plvotally supporting said front portion, said bellows having a restricted escapement opening, a storage bellows supported adjacent said first mentioned bellows for receiving fluid from said opening, a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable therewith for engaging said lever to force fluid from said first mentioned bellows through said opening to said second mentioned bellows, and spring means tending to restore said first mentioned bellows.

12. A time delay switch device comprising. a bellows having a rear portion, means plvotally supporting said rearportion, a lever pivotally supporting said front portion, said bellows having a restricted escapement opening, .a storage bellows supported adjacent said first mentioned bellows for receiving fluid from said opening, a switch, and a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable therewith for engaging said lever to force fluid from said first mentioned bellows through said opening to said second mentioned bellows.

13. A time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable when said switch moves, a bellows having a rear portion provided with a constricted escapement' orifice, means plvotally supporting said rear portion, a storage bellows projecting rearwardly from said rear portion for receiving fluid discharge through said orifice, said first mentioned bellows having a head, and a lever pivotally connected to said head and positioned in the path of movement of said movable member.

14. A'time delay switch device comprising a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable when said switch moves, a bellows having a rear portion provided with a constricted escapement orifice, means plvotally supporting said rear portion, a storage bellows projecting rearwardly from said rear portion for receiving fluid discharge through said orifice, said first mentioned bellows having a head, and a lever pivotally connected to said head and positioned in the path of movement of said movable member, said movable member having a camlike portion adapted to slide past said lever, whereby a portion of the movement of said switch will be quick.

15. A time delay switch device. comprising a switch, a movable member operatively connected to said switch and movable when said switch moves, a bellows pivoted adjacent its rear end and provided with an escapement orifice, a lever pivotally supporting the front end of said bellows and positioned in the path of movement of said movable member, and screw means forming a stop for said lever and adjustable to vary the point at which said lever will be engaged by said movable member.

16. An electrical switch in combination with current responsive means releasably holding said switch in open circuit position, means urging the switch to closed circuit position, and motion retarding mechanism opposed to the movement of the switch to closed circuit position, said 'mecha nism comprising a pivotally supported motion retarding contractible element, a link pivotallysupported at one end and pivotally connected at the other end with said element in spaced relation to the pivotal support of said element, and a cam on said switch engaging said link to actuate said element when the switch is released for movement to circuit closing position.

17. An electrical switch in combination with current responsive means releasably holding said switch in open circuit position, means urging the switch to closed circuit position, and motion retarding mechanism opposed to the movement oi the switch to closed circuit position, said mechanism comprising a pivotally supported motion retarding contractible element, a link pivotally .supported at one end and pivotally connected at the other end with said element in spaced relation to the pivotal support of said element, a cam on said switch engaging said link to actuate said element when the switch is released for movement to circuit closing position, and adjustable means defining the point of engagement between said link and cam for changing the period of delay.

18. An electrical switch in combination with current responsive means releasably holding said switch in open circuit position, means urging the switch to closed circuit position, and motion retarding mechanism opposed to the movement of the switch to closed circuit position, said mechanism comprising a pivotally supported motion retarding contractible element, a link pivotally supported at one end and pivotally connected at the other end with said element in spaced relation to the pivotal support of said element, a cam on said switch engaging said link to actuate said element when the switch is released for movement to circuit closing position, and adjustable means defining the point of engagement between said link and cam for changing the period of delay, said motion retarding element being inoperative to delay the switch closing motion after a period of delayed switch action.

19. A transfer means for a repeating fuse construction having a first fuse and a second fuse. said transfer means including a switch for connecting the second fuse'in an electrical circuit when the first fuse has opened said circuit, in combination with means biasing said switch to circuit closing position, said switch being held in open circuit position by the first fuse until the latter has opened said circuit, and motion retarding mechanism opposing the movement of said switch to circuit closing position, said mechanism comprising a contractible element having a predetermined maximum rate of contraction, a pivot lever, two relatively spaced pivot supports for said element one of which is stationary and the other being supported by said pivot lever, and means movable with the switch for contracting said element.

20. A transfer means for a repeating fuse construction having a first fuse and a second fuse, said transfer means including a switch for connecting the second fuse in an electrical circuit when the first fuse has opened said circuit, in combination with means biasing said switch to circuit closing position, said switch being held in open circuit position by the first fuse until the latterhas opened said circuit, and motion retarding mechanism opposing the movement of said switch to circuit closing position, said mechanism comprising a contractible element having a predetermined maximum rate of contraction,

' action of the bellows during the final closing.

a pivot lever, two relatively spaced pivot supports-for said element one of which is stationary and the other being supported by said pivot lever, and means movable with the switch for contracting said element, said means being disengaged from said element after a predetermined period of retarded motion of the switch for quick closing of said-switch after such period 21. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch freely operable to open circuit position, automaticmeans for closing said switch, a time delay motion retarding device comprising a bellows, an expansible spring within said bellows, and means coacting between said bellows and said switch to contract the bellows when said switch is moving to circuit closing position.

22. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch freely operable to open circuit position, automatic means for closing said switch, a time delay motion retarding device comprising a bellows, anexpansible spring within the bellows and means coacting between the bellows and the switch to contract the bellows when the switch is moving to circuit closing position, and a stop defining a maximum limit oi expansion .of said bellows.

23. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch, automatic means for closing said switch, a motion retarding device comprising a bellows, an expansible spring within the bellows and means coacting between the bellows and the switch to contract the bellows when the switch is moving to circuit closing position, and a manually adjustable stop for predetenmining a desirable limit of expansion of said bellows, thereby determining a given period of time during which the switch-closing motion will be retarded.

24. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch, automatic means for closing said switch, a motion retarding device comprising a bellows, an expansible spring within the bellows, and means coacting between the bellows and switch to contract the bellows when the switch is moving to circuit closing position, said means including a switch operated cam contracting the bellows during a portion of the switch-closing motion and freeing the switch from the retarding movement of the switch.

25. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch, automatic'means for closing said switch, a motion retarding device comprising a bellows, an 'expansibl'e spring within the bellows, means coacting between the bellows and switch to contract the bellows when the switch is moving to circuit closing position, said means including a switch operated cam contracting the bellows during a portion of the switch-closing motion and freeing the switch from the retarding action of the bellows during the final closing movement of the switch, and a stop defining the expansible limit of said bellows.

26. In an automatic switch closing means, an electric switch, automatic means for closing said switch, a motion retarding device comprising a bellows, an expansible spring within the bellows, means coacting between the bellows and switch to contract the bellows when the switch is moving to circuit closing position, said means including a switch operated cam contracting the bellows during a portion of the switch-closing motion and freeing the switch from the retarding switch and including a slowly movable member operativelyrelated to said switch for at least a portion of the closing stroke of said switch and inoperatively'related to said switch during the,

' means comprising a normally open switch reaction of the bellows duringthe final closing bellows upon closing motion of said switch, said.

mechanism being adjustable to vary the extent of motion of said bellows for a complete closing stroke of said switch, whereby the time of closing of said switch may be varied.

28. Delayed action switching means for a repeating fuse construction having a first fuse unit and a'second fuse unit and an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, said means comprising a switch having a blade tending to close upon blowing of said first fuse unit, said switch when closed connecting said electric line through said second fuse unit, and time delay mechanism restraining the closing of said switch during at least a part of the closing movement of said switch, said switch blade having a slow closing motion when connected to said time delay mechanism and having cam means for cooperating with said time delay mechanism.

29. Delayed action switching means for a repeating fuse constructionhaving a first fuse unit and a second fuse unit and an electric line normally connected through said first fuse unit, said means comprising a normally open switch biased towards closed position for connecting said electric line through said second fuse unit, said switch being released upon blowing of said first fuse unit, "time delay mechanism for directly controlling the closing of said switch, said time delay mechanism including a slowly movable member op ratively related to said switch for at least a portion of the closing stroke of said switch, and means for adjusting the. point at biased towards closed position for connecting said electric line through said second fuse unit upon blowing of said first fuse unit, time delay mechanism fordirectlycontrolling the closing of said leasable upon blowing of said first fuse unit and biased towards closed position for connecting said electric line through said second fuse unit,

time delay mechanism having a slowly'movable member, and means operated by said switch for engaging and moving said slowly movable member during a portion of the closing stroke of said switch, and moving with respect to said slowly movable member without moving said slowly movable member during the final portion of the closing stroke of said switch.

32. A time delay device for connecting a successive fuse in circuit in a repeating multiple fuse construction, said device comprising a normally open switch biased towards closed position, time delay mechanism including a slowly movable member, operating means carried by said switch and engaging and moving said slowly movable member during the closing stroke of said switch, and adjustable means for varying the point in the closing motion of said switch at which motion of said slowly movable member will occur.

33. In a reclosing fuse device, in combination,

a time delay device for determining the time intel-val between the blowing of one fuse and the closing of a transfer switch to reestablish the circuit through the next'fuse, comprising a bellows and a storage compartment connected by a restricting passage through which a fluid is forced to flow.

34. A hydraulic escapement device for determining the interval between the blowing of one fuse of a reclosing fuse device and -the closing -of a transfer switch to reestablish the circuit through the next fuse comprising, in combination, a pair of flexible bellows members, aliquid filling said bellows members, connectingmeans between said bellows members having a restricted opening through which said liquid is forced to now from one of said bellows members to the other to provide said interval, and externally operabl adjusting means for changing the length of said interval.

35.A hydraulic escapement device for determining the interval between the blowing of one fuse of a reclosing fuse device and the closing of a transfer switch to reestablish the circuit through the next fuse comprising, in combination, a pair of flexible bellows members, a liquid filling said bellows members, a support member for said bellows members disposed intermediate thereof and having a restricted opening through which said liquid is forced tofiow from one of said bellows members to'the other to provide said interval, a compression spring cooperating with said one bellows members for biasing it to restore said liquid thereto, and externally operable ad- Justing means for changing the length of said interval.

WILLIAM O. SCHULTZ.

, ALWIN G. STEINMAYER, F 

